How many times have you heard someone say "Just relax" whenever you've complained about feeling stressed or anxious at home or in the workplace? Probably a lot. Your initial thought might have been, "But how?" We won't be that someone who tells you to "chill, it's not that serious" when you feel as if you are about to snap. But we will be that GOOD friend who tells you exactly how to de-stress and shares the many ways to relax your mind and loosen the tension in your body.
We would be an even better friend if we offered you a free vacation or a trip to the spa to calm your nerves, but the times have been tough, and our bamboo resources have been scarce. Instead, we will provide you with plenty of relaxation ideas, which cost nothing or less than an avocado and which won't take your whole day if you have limited time. Whether your boss has rejected your annual leave, your best friend returned to her douchebag of an ex, or you have a project deadline coming soon, whatever you are stressing about can be relieved with some relaxing activities. The best bit is that many of these relaxation activities for adults can be done within minutes. Hence, no matter how hectic your daily schedule gets, you should be able to spare and dedicate just a few minutes to a relaxing activity and focus solely on yourself.
Below, we've compiled a list of things to do for relaxation and ways to relax when you are feeling under the pump. Remember that finding time, no matter how little, to perform activities to relax is just as important as getting enough sleep since stress plays a significant role in our general health and well-being and shouldn't be left unresolved. Are there any other relaxing activities you do to cope with stress that haven't been mentioned? Share those in the comments. If you found this article helpful and have a friend who could benefit from some relaxation ideas, make sure to share it with them—a literal instance of sharing is caring!
#21 Look At Pictures That Bring You Joy

Looking through photographs that make you happy or upbeat can help you briefly escape to a better place. Think about images of adorable animals, past vacations, family, or friends. Also, it has been scientifically proven that recalling pleasant memories improves your well-being.
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#22 Be At One With Your Thoughts

Try putting your phone down and turning off your laptop for 10 minutes to give yourself the essential quiet time to be alone with your thoughts. This helps emphasize the importance of checking in with yourself throughout the day.
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#23 Practice A Five Senses Exercise

If you want to achieve a more profound feeling of calm, consider engaging in a more deliberate "five senses exercise." What are the five things that you can see? What four things can you smell right now? Which three things can you hear? What two flavors are you tasting? What do you feel, specifically? Establishing that mental-physical link can be very rejuvenating within just a few minutes.
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#24 Allow Yourself To Daydream

Daydreaming has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety. Hence, there is nothing wrong with spending 5 to 10 minutes of your day daydreaming about running a bed and breakfast in a quaint New England village.
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#25 Use A Foam Roller To Release Tension In Your Muscles

Whether or not you just exercised, a foam roller can help relieve muscular discomfort and stress. If you don't have one on hand, try using a tennis ball or any other item that could work to give yourself a mini-massage.
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#26 Practice The 4-7-8 Breathing Method

Use the 4-7-8 deep breathing technique to truly concentrate on your breathing. Close your eyes and take a four-second deep breath in through your nose, hold it for seven seconds, and then take an eight-second deep breath out through your mouth. Repeat as many times as needed.
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#27 Make Yourself A Cup Of Pour-Over Coffee

There is nothing like the feeling of mastering the pour-over technique, which requires you to devote all of your concentration to making a single cup of coffee.
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#28 Stand Outside Or Near A Window And Soak In The Sunlight

It might be difficult to stay inside all day when working from home, so go outside for 10-15 minutes every hour or so to breathe fresh air and soak up some sunlight. Or, move your desk closer to a window.
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#29 Do A Face Mask

Face masks can be quite calming. With your face mask on, you may multitask or just relax and listen to your favorite podcasts or music.
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#30 Try Watercoloring Or Paint By Numbers

Use watercolors or paint by numbers to take your coloring to the next level. Concentrating on where to place each color can make this activity feel therapeutic.
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#31 Take Up Journaling

This is a fantastic way to set your objectives and reflect on your day and feelings. And if you ever fall short on ideas on what to journal about, check out our article featuring 76 journaling ideas!
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#32 Start Planning Your Time Off

Take a break from your job to look out for things to do outside of the workplace. Explore holiday places or envision the perfect long weekend escape.
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#33 Research And Try A New Recipe

There are probably cookbooks and family recipes you have never tried that gather dust on your bookshelf. Find one you would like to try and write down all the ingredients you need to get from the shop.
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#34 Focus On Something Tactile

Grounding tactics are the same sensory techniques that can help you deal with stressful events throughout the day. By practicing grounding exercises, you can stop unpleasant memories, flashbacks, and emotions. Those involve focusing on something tangible, such as picking up or touching objects around you and then analyzing their physical qualities. The thing you are touching, does it feel soft or hard? Light or heavy? Cool or warm?
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#35 Put On A Random Playlist

By putting on a random playlist, you could discover a forgotten old favorite or a brand-new tune you will love. Listening to upbeat music might make you feel more optimistic and hopeful about life, while a slower tempo helps calm your thoughts and relax your muscles. Hence, it's a win either way!
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#36 Try A Hand Massage

This one feels especially good for people who spend the whole day pressing the keyboard. Simply massage the area on the opposite hand between the thumb and index finger with your thumb and fingers. When your skin's nerve cells feel pressure, they signal the brain to release endorphins, which improve your mood and provide a natural high.
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#37 Start A Dance Party At Gym

Cardio doesn't have to be boring or tedious. Just pick a preferred playlist and hit play. A little party ain't never hurt nobody!
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#38 Call A Friend For A Meaningful Catch-Up

You can have a full-on conversation with a loved one or close friend within just 30 minutes. That gives you more time to examine the details of what goes on throughout your days. Feeling connected and sharing love, whether platonic or romantic, can be incredibly stress-relieving.
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#39 Go To Therapy

Although many can rely on their friends and family for assistance during tough times, sometimes a simple conversation with a stranger can do wonders. By seeking therapy, you can manage life's crises and lead a more meaningful, less stressful existence.
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#40 Try Some Stress-Relieving Body Work

Try some bodywork if you have the time and money to do so. Acupuncture, chiropractic adjustments, or a full massage can really help you decompress. Therefore, if you can, leave the house and schedule to see a skilled practitioner.
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